As the FGF2 rs1048201, PDGFRB rs246395, PDGFRA rs2228230, MMP2 rs243865, rs7201, and TIMP2 rs7501477 have not been previously examined in HNSCC in terms of survival and treatment outcome, this is most likely the first report describing their prognostic and predictive value in this type of cancer. The gene discussed is MMP2; the disease is cancer.